Georgetown College Testing 2010 Games Language Volunteers

Professors at Georgetown College are manning the phones for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, making sure volunteer applicants have done their homework in French and Spanish.

Called Language Proficiency exams, every language service volunteer applicant must complete these tests in order to become an official language specialist for the Games. Language Specialists are expected to facilitate communication for officials and athletes in more than 12 languages during the Games.

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures at Georgetown College, chaired by Dr. Jana Brill, is supporting this effort, offering to proctor and process language proficiency tests in French and Spanish. The first written exams will be offered to language volunteers on November 14.

In addition, professors in these departments will complete in-person or telephone oral comprehension exams to identify those volunteers who can best assist the foreign language needs for the Games.

“Language service volunteers will make our athletes, officials and spectators feel welcomed and comfortable at the 2010 Games,” said Sandy Suffoletta, Director of Language Services for the World Games 2010 Foundation. ”Foreign language volunteers are a critical component of the overall attendee experience, whether in an official, social or emergency situation.”

Georgetown College is the first of several local colleges supporting the Games through language service administration and testing.

“We’re delighted that our close location to and educational partnership with the Kentucky Horse Park gives such a wonderful opportunity for us to be involved both before and during the 2010 Games,” said William H. Crouch, Jr., president of Georgetown College. “This is sure to be a tremendous global experience for students enrolled in the College’s Equine Scholars Program as well as those among our faculty and staff who are helping with language proficiency and communication.”

Volunteers are still needed for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Anyone interested in being a volunteer can apply at www.alltechfeigames.com.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, featuring the world championships of eight equestrian sports. From September-24 to October 10, 2010, the Games will be hosted in America for the first time at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Games are governed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc, Meydan, and the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.